Mt. Everest 2005: The Singapore National University Team

We decided to practice on the Ice Fall, and mimic some of the conditions we will face on our summit bid. We went to a site with ice features about 10 meters high and 30 meters long 15 minutes away from the Base Camp, where Mark Tucker, one of the main guides in the American team, had set up ropes across the entire ice section.

Traversing an ice section which mimics that above the South Col

The section approximates the conditions above the South Col, where there is a long traverse section with fixed rope attached horizontally. Many climbers are expected to go up that section on summit day, and competence and a level head are needed to cross it safely.

We started up the section with relative ease, using our crampons and ice axe to cross gingerly like a crab while safely clipped onto the fixed rope. We also discussed possible ways of dealing with problematic people and confusing situations such as when the ropes are not properly fixed to anchors. Personal judgment comes into play at such a high altitude, where communication and actions are not taken for granted.

We also fixed up a vertical section on the wall to mimic the conditions of the famous Hillary Steps, a 15m rock climb just below the summit of Everest. Ascending the rope at an altitude above the “the Death Zone”, even when simulated, was not easy, as we had our double boots, thick mittens, oxygen masks, goggles, full-weighted packs and down suits on, which restrict our vision and movement. We replicated these conditions as much as we could at the Ice Fall, and made sure that our current system of equipment arrangement worked.

The practice took the whole morning, and we returned to Base Camp in time for lunch. We were enjoying our fried rice and juice when two Singaporean trekkers arrived at our tent. They were our director Kim Boon’s friends. It was the first time that Singaporeans had come to visit our camp during this expedition, and we welcomed them warmly.

Video Crossing the Khumbu Icefall, Nepal from the National University of Singapore 2005 Everest Expedition team. Click the picture

Millet One Sport Everest Boot  has made some minor changes by adding more Kevlar. USES Expeditions / High altitude / Mountaineering in extremely cold conditions / Isothermal to -75°F Gore-Tex® Top dry / Evazote Reinforcements with aramid threads. Avg. Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz Sizes: 5 - 14 DESCRIPTION Boot with semi-rigid shell and built-in Gore-Tex® gaiter reinforced by aramid threads, and removable inner slipper Automatic crampon attachment Non-compressive fastening Double zip, so easier to put on Microcellular midsole to increase insulation Removable inner slipper in aluminized alveolate Fiberglass and carbon footbed Cordura + Evazote upper Elasticated collar. Expedition footwear for mountaineering in conditions of extreme cold.  NOTE US SIZES LISTED. See more here.

A cold weather, high altitude double boot for extreme conditions The Olympus Mons is the perfect choice for 8000-meter peaks. This super lightweight double boot has a PE thermal insulating inner boot that is coupled with a thermo-reflective outer boot with an integrated gaiter. We used a super insulating lightweight PE outsole to keep the weight down and the TPU midsole is excellent for crampon compatibility and stability on steep terrain. WEIGHT: 39.86 oz • 1130 g LAST: Olympus Mons CONSTRUCTION: Inner: Slip lasted Outer: Board Lasted OUTER BOOT: Cordura® upper lined with dual-density PE micro-cellular thermal insulating closed cell foam and thermo-reflective aluminium facing/ Insulated removable footbed/ Vibram® rubber rand See more here.

   Ascenders

   Atlas snowshoes

   Atomic

   Big Agnes

   Black Diamond

   Brunton

   Carabiners

   Chaco

   Cloudveil

   Columbia
   CMI

   Crampons

   Edelweiss ropes
   Eureka Tents

   Exofficio

   FiveTen

   Featured

   FoxRiver

   Gregory

   Granite Gear

   Harnesses
   Headlamps

   Hestra
   Helmets

   Helly Hansen

   HighGear

   HornyToad
   Ice Axes

   Julbo

   Kavu Eyewear

   Katadyn

   Kelty

   Kong

   Lekisport

   Life is Good

   Lowa

   Lowe Alpine

   Lowepro

   Millet

   Motorola

   Mountain Hardwear

   Mountainsmith

   MSR

   Nalgene

   New England Ropes

   Nikwax

   Omega

   Osprey

   Outdoor Research
   Patagonia

   Pelican

   Petzl

   Prana

   Princeton Tec

   Primus

   Rope Bags

   Royal Robbins

   Salomon

   Scarpa

   Scott

   Seattle Sports

   Serius
   Sleeping Bags

   Sterling Rope

   Stubai

   Suunto

   Tents

   Teva

   Thermarest

   Trango

   Tool Logic

   Trekking Poles
   Yaktrax
   and more here